During the 16th century it was common for people to cover their faces with white lead mixed with mercury to give their skin a pale glow and use mercury based vermilion on their lips. So much was the case that it eventually damaged their complexion, caused hair loss and eventually death with long term use.

The skin is your largest and also the thinnest organ. Less than 1/10th of an inch separates your body from potential toxins. Your skin is also highly permeable. Most things you rub on your skin will end up in your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body. Putting chemicals on your skin could actually be worse than eating them. When you eat something, your body has a chance to break it down and flush it out.

When you put chemicals on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream and directly to your organs where they accumulate over time.

In researching skin conditions I was surprised to learn the number of toxins still used in everyday skin care products. The following are just a few chemicals found in common skin care products today:

1. Parabens

An estimated 75 to 90 per cent of cosmetics contain parabens. They are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. They are also used as fragrance ingredients, but consumers won’t find that listed on the label. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients.

Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. They also increase the expression of genes usually regulated by estradiol (a natural form of estrogen); these genes cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply in cellular studies. Parabens are also linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. Since parabens are used to kill bacteria in water-based solutions, they inherently have some toxicity to cells.

2. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Both of these chemicals are also used as preservatives in foods. These chemicals are linked to several health concerns including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity, and due to these concerns, BHA has been banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union.

3. Synthetic fragrances and Parfum

Widely used even in some products marketed as “unscented” (often the last ingredient). Mixture of chemicals that can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Used to produce a pleasant scent. The term “fragrance” or “parfum” on a cosmetic ingredients list usually hides a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Some 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances. Fragrance is used in nearly every type of personal care product. Even products marketed as “fragrance-free” or “unscented” may contain fragrance along with a masking agent that prevents the brain from perceiving odor. Fragrances are also found in numerous other consumer products, notably laundry detergents and softeners and cleaning products.

Some fragrance ingredients are not perfuming agents themselves but enhance the performance of perfuming agents. For example, diethyl phthalate (prounced tha-late), or DEP, is widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent linger. Phthalates contain reproductive toxins and may interfere with hormone function.

4. PEGs

Propylene Glycol (PG), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those trans-dermal patches INTO YOUR BODY.

Propylene Glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids and as a solvent. Also called “Propanediol” (American Heritage Encyclopedia Dictionary)

Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin like photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Studies have found that D4 and D5, members of the siloxane family, resist degradation and accumulate within the bodies of animals — qualifying them as persistent organic pollutants. Studies have linked them to reproductive damage in animals, including tumors of the uterus. Little research has been conducted on the chemical’s effects on humans, but they have been widely used in consumer products nonetheless.

The siloxanes are found in a variety of cosmetics, including lipsticks, lotions and hair care products. An Environmental Working Group survey has found D4 and D5 in one out of every seven of the 41,000 different personal care products it has analyzed. D4 and D5 are also used in plastics (including the nipples of baby bottles), cookware and home cleaning products.

7. Triclosan

Found in “anti-bacterial” products such as toothpaste, soaps, hand sanitizers. May interfere with hormone function. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Triclosan is used mainly in antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent. Triclosan can pass through skin and is suspected of interfering with hormone function (endocrine disruption). The extensive use of triclosan in consumer products may contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Triclosan is used in so many products that the small amounts found in each product add up — particularly since the chemical does not readily degrade. Moreover, some anti-bacterial hand sanitizers containing triclosan may not classify as “cosmetics” as per the Food and Drug Act. Products classified as “drugs” on the basis of a therapeutic claim or function are not subject to the Cosmetic Regulations or the Hotlist restriction.

8. Chemical Sunscreens (with Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate)

When many of the chemicals used in popular sunscreens are exposed to sunlight, reactions occur between the sunscreen’s active and inactive ingredients and the epidermis. Toxic reactions include inflammation, dermatological effects, allergic reactions and photogenotoxic (DNA altering) effects. Chemical sunscreens have ingredients that actually promote cancer.

P.S. Sunscreen does NOT allow the body to absorb any vitamin D from sunlight. So if you plan on being outside for a short period of time, skip the sunscreen and feed your body the vitamin D that will keep it healthy.

Oxybenzone has been shown to penetrate the skin and cause photosensitivity. It has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells. It is believed to be a contributing factor in the recent rise of melanoma cases with sunscreen users. Some studies have shown it to behave similarly to the hormone estrogen, suggesting that it may cause breast cancer. It has also been linked to contact eczema.

Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC for short) is the main chemical used in sunscreens to filter out UVB light. OMC is present in almost ALL wide-spectrum sunscreen brands. Worse yet, OMC has been shown to be particularly toxic when exposed to sunshine. According to the Cosmetics Database there are many concerns regarding its use, including: biochemical changes that cause mutation and cell death upon exposure to sunlight; immunotoxicity and photoallergic effects; reproductive toxicity that leads to estrogenic effects; organ system toxicity, especially in the liver; and enhanced skin absorption.

Several studies show that many other sunscreen ingredients have toxic properties that are absorbed through the skin and end up circulating in your bloodstream.

9. Titanium Dioxide

Classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen ‘possibly carcinogen to humans’…(it) accounts for 70% of the total production volume of pigments worldwide. It is widely used to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and toothpastes. It is also used in cosmetic and skin care products, and it is present in almost every sunblock, where it helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

Evidence showed that high concentrations of pigment-grade (powdered) and ultrafine titanium dioxide dust caused respiratory tract cancer in rats exposed by inhalation and intratracheal2 instillation. The series of biological events or steps that produce the rat lung cancers (e.g. particle deposition, impaired lung clearance, cell injury, fibrosis, mutations and ultimately cancer) have also been seen in people working in dusty environments.

10. Aluminum

Aluminum is a common ingredient in deodorant and mostly antiperspirant. It is often linked to Alzheimer’s and brain disorders and is a possible risk factor in breast cancer. Aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface, which forces toxins to flow back into the bloodstream.

Aluminum can be found in drinking water, anti-perspirants, vaccinations, baking powders, feminine hygiene products, cow and soy milk, baby formula, antacids, and of course aluminum foil, pots and pans. In water aluminum is used help remove debris in water (called flocculation) binding to the particles and sticking them together. Unfortunately, it is a neurotoxin that also binds and sticks to our red and white blood cells and hormones that can lead to microvascular strokes which cause many other serious issues.

The average person will consume and eat over 3 pounds of aluminum in his or her lifetime. That is the equivalent of 229 square feet of aluminum foil.

11. Heavy Metals: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Nickel and More

Heavy metals can build up in the body over time and are known to cause varied health problems, which can include: cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, neurological problems; memory loss; mood swings; nerve, joint and muscle disorders; cardiovascular, skeletal, blood, immune system, kidney and renal problems; headaches; vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea; lung damage; contact dermatitis; and brittle hair and hair loss. Many are suspected hormone disruptors and respiratory toxins, and for some like lead, there is no known safe blood level.

Seven of the eight metals of concern were found in 49 different face makeup items. On average, products contained two of the four metals of most concern and four of the eight metals of concern. None of the heavy metals were listed on the product label.

Lead: Lead is a neurotoxin that is found in cosmetics, plastics, batteries, gasoline, insecticides, pottery glaze, soldered pipes, and paint. In October 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 popular brands of lipsticks at an independent lab for lead content. The results: 61 percent of lipsticks contained lead, with levels ranging up to 0.65 parts per million.

In the body, lead will either accumulate in tissues, especially bone, but also in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and lungs. After immediate exposure, humans are able to get rid of 50 per cent of the lead within two to six weeks, but it takes 25 to 30 years to get rid of 50 per cent of lead that has accumulated in the body over time.

No safe blood level of lead is known, with even the lowest levels having shown to affect the fetus and the central nervous system in children. IQ deficits have been associated with high blood lead levels, including those of low-levels. Lead exposure has also been linked to miscarriage, hormonal changes, reduced fertility in men and women, menstrual irregularities, delays in puberty onset in girls, memory loss, mood swings, nerve, joint and muscle disorders, cardiovascular, skeletal, and kidney and renal problems.

Mercury is a neurotoxin. Various forms of mercury are toxic. The form of mercury plays a role in how much is absorbed via dermal or oral routes. Organic (methyl) mercury is of greater concern than inorganic mercury, however, all forms of mercury are absorbed through the skin and mucosa and dermal exposure can result in systemic toxicity. Exposure to mercury can have serious health consequences. It can cause damage to the kidneys and the nervous system, and can interfere with the development of the brain in unborn and young children. While the amounts of mercury in the cosmetics is typically low, mercury accumulates in the body. Mercury is also readily absorbable through skin. It can also cause symptoms such as irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, and numbness and tingling in hands, feet or around mouth.

12. Talc

Commonly found in baby powders, face powders, body powders. Talc is a known carcinogen and is a major cause of ovarian cancer. It can be harmful if inhaled as it can lodge in the lungs, causing respiratory disorders. Since the early 1980s, records show that several thousand infants each year have died or become seriously ill following accidental inhalation of baby powder.

Talc is used for its anti-moisture properties. It is used by the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture medications and is a listed ingredient of some antacids. Talc is used in smaller quantities in deodorants, chalk, crayons, textiles, soap, insulating materials, paints, asphalt filler, paper, and in food processing.

Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims.

Talc poses a health risk when exposed to the lungs. Talc miners have shown higher rates of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses from exposure to industrial grade talc, which contains dangerous silica and asbestos. The common household hazard posed by talc is inhalation of baby powder by infants. Talc is used on babies because it absorbs unpleasant moisture. Clearly, dusting with talcum powder endangers an infant’s lungs at the prospect of inhalation. Exposing children to this carcinogen is unnecessary and dangerous.

Soap is indeed harsh on dry skin. Soap has an alkaline pH while the skin has an acid pH. Soap can destroy the hydrolipid film which normally covers the skin.

The hydrolipid film is a layer of fat and water secreted by the skin to prevent it from drying out.

pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic and those with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. Pure water has a pH of about 7. The average pH of the skin is 5.5.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes then you’re predisposed to a wider range of skin complications. Such skin conditions include bacterial and fungal infections, Acanthosis nigricans, diabetic dermopathy and poor circulation in the extremities.

Bacterial infections include:

Styes (infections of the glands of the eyelid)

Boils

Folliculitis (infections of the hair follicles)

Carbuncles (deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath)

Infections around the nails

Fungal infections include Candida albicans. A yeast-like fungus that creates a red, itchy rash, usually surrounded by small blisters and scales. These are usually found in warm, moist areas like armpits or between the toes.

Other common fungal infections include ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and vaginal infections.

Sun damaged skin

Excessive exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays can cause skin damage. The UV rays penetrate below the top layer of the skin and affect the collagen which is responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin. This leads to wrinkles, sagging and also dryness.

Swimming for a long time

Swimming may be good for your health but not as much for your skin and hair. If the chlorine in the water is added according to the set norm then it’s not too much of a problem. But over-chlorinated pools can cause harm. A long time in the pool will remove the oily layer of your skin which locks in moisture.

Aging skin

Often women nearing 40 will find their skin getting drier than usual. This is because the production of collagen starts to slow and the skin starts losing its elasticity. This leads to skin with fine lines, wrinkles etc.

Medication

Strong medications can cause your skin to become itchy and dry. You can handle this dryness with an improved diet of fruits and salads. Drink lots of water and avoid junk food. You also need to moisturize your skin well in order to stop the itchiness.

Skin Condition

People with dry skin tend to be predisposed to conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Itchiness, soreness and patchy red spots could indicate a milder form of psoriasis. Eczema is usually indicated with flaky, dry, blistered skin.

Frequent hot showers

The epidermis (top skin layer) has keratin and a layer of oil which retains moisture. Hot showers mixed with soap strips this layer and moisture escapes your skin leaving it dry (see Harsh Soaps above). The longer the shower is, the drier your skin will get. If you already have dry skin, the shower will worsen it.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause your skin to become dry. In this condition, the thyroid glands produce less thyroid hormones which lessen the activity of the oil and sweat glands which leads to dry skin. Moisturizing the skin is essential to avoid this.

Low humidity

Weather that is too cold or too hot with low humidity can cause the skin to become dry, especially when there are radiators and heaters indoors. With the moisture gone, the constant hot and cold blow irritates the skin. The solution is to moisturize the skin as often as possible. Setting a metal cooking pot filled with water on top of the heater or near the radiator well help to make the room more humid.